Demons Won’t Be Ambushed by Harley Reid Again: Coach Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin has vowed that his team will not be caught off guard by Harley Reid’s surprise return for the Western Bulldogs in their upcoming clash. Reid, a former Demon, made a shock appearance for the Bulldogs last Friday night, scoring a crucial goal in their thrilling victory over Richmond. The move raised eyebrows, as Reid had not played an AFL game since 2019. Goodwin admitted that Reid’s unexpected return was a “little bit of a shock,” but emphasized that the Demons had learned their lesson. “We’ve had a good look at the tape, and we’ve got a plan in place to make sure that we’re not caught short again,” Goodwin said. “Harley’s a great player with a knack for finding the footy, so we need to be aware of him at all times.” Goodwin praised Reid’s courage for returning to the AFL after such a long absence. “It’s a credit to Harley that he’s been able to come back and play at such a high level,” said Goodwin. “He’s a popular player, and we wish him all the best. But not on Friday night.” The Demons and Bulldogs will face off at the MCG on Friday, March 24. The Demons will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to St Kilda in their last match.Melbourne is determined to avoid a repeat of their humiliating loss to West Coast Eagles in May, vowing to stifle the impact of rising star Harley Reid.Melbourne is determined to avoid a repeat of their humiliating loss to West Coast Eagles in May, vowing to stifle the impact of rising star Harley Reid. Reid, the No. 1 draft pick, was instrumental in the Eagles’ shock 35-point home win, amassing 21 disposals, seven clearances, two goals, and three scoring assists. “We’ll be prepared for Harley Reid this time,” coach Simon Goodwin said. “He showed us last time what he’s capable of at a really high level.” Melbourne, currently sitting eighth on the ladder, will face Reid and the Eagles at the MCG on Sunday. Goodwin emphasized the need for his midfielders to respond to the Eagles’ formidable group, particularly in light of their previous defeat. “The midfield needs to respond in that area this week against a high-quality midfield group,” Goodwin said. Goodwin dismissed any notion of “revenge or retribution,” stating that Melbourne’s primary focus was to regain their form. “It wasn’t too long ago that we played West Coast at their best,” he said. “Five weeks ago in Perth, they dominated the game and clearly beat us through the middle of the ground.” “So we certainly know what their best looks like, and we’ll be preparing for that.” The Demons are also determined to increase the involvement of ruckman and captain Max Gawn in the contest. “Bailey Williams did a great job on Max last time – he pretty much tagged him wherever he went over the ground,” Goodwin said. “So that’s certainly a big part of our planning as well.” Melbourne welcomed the return of forward Jake Melksham for his first AFL match since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last year.Demons wary of Harley Reid threat After being ambushed by Harley Reid in their last encounter, the Demons are taking no chances this time around. Coach Simon Goodwin said the team had been working hard all week on strategies to counter Reid’s pace and power. “We know he’s a dangerous player,” Goodwin said. “We can’t afford to give him any space or time, or he’ll make us pay.” The Demons will also be without key defender Jake Lever, who is out with a hamstring injury. But Goodwin said he was confident the team had the depth to cover Lever’s absence. “We’ve got some good young players who are ready to step up,” he said. “We’re confident we can get the job done.” The Demons will be hoping to make it two wins from two when they take on the Power at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.